Former Vols Witten, Wilson help Clausen on Pro Day
KNOXVILLE (AP) — Cedric Wilson and Jason Witten returned to Tennessee on Wednesday to help an old friend impress NFL scouts.
Quarterback Casey Clausen, who ended just finished his Tennessee career, was on campus with other former Volunteers participated in Pro Timing Day.
Wilson, a receiver during Clausen’s freshman year in 2000 who now plays for the San Francisco 49ers, streaked down the indoor field turf and caught several passes from Clausen.
Witten, a tight end drafted last year by the Dallas Cowboys, also hauled in several. Mark Jones, who played as a receiver, defensive back and punt returner last season, and fullback Troy Fleming also worked out with Clausen.
“It brought me back to the old days,” Clausen said. “I was real fortunate to have those guys come back and catch for me. I’m really thankful.”
Other NFL prospects in attendance included defensive backs Rashad Baker, Dusty Ishii, Gibril Wilson and Jabari Greer; offensive linemen Chavis Smith, Sean Young and Anthony Herrera; defensive linemen Constantin Ritzmann, Terriea Smalls and Mondre Dickerson, kicker Philip Newman and linebacker Robert Peace. Defensive back Steven Marsh, who was eligible but not drafted last year, returned to try again.
Many current Tennessee players, administrators, coaches and players’ relatives observed the drills and workouts with NFL representatives from nearly every team. Some members of the Lady Vols’ basketball team such as Brittany Jackson, Ashley Robinson and Shyra Ely also came to watch.
Wells, Tennessee’s starting center last year, didn’t participate in any drills on Wednesday. He did his workouts at the Combine.
He said he was just waiting now for draft day. “I have no preference (for teams),” Wells said. “I’ll go anywhere.”
Jones was not invited to the Combine, and he hopes his performance on Wednesday will help him get attention from NFL teams. He recorded times of 4.34 and 4.37 in the 40-yard dash, which were the faster times of the day.
“I tried to prove I can play,” he said.
The event didn’t draw as many scouts as years past when some Tennessee players were expected to be drafted in the first round. Tennessee has had 17 first-round picks since 1990 but had none last year.
There may not be any Vols represented in this year’s first round either. The draft will be held April 24-25.
Clausen’s prospects have so far been mixed with some analysts saying he might not be drafted at all. Witten has heard those predictions, too.
“What you can’t describe about Casey is that every Sunday he’s going to come out and give you everything he has. He’s going to play to his fullest ability. He’s never going to quit,” Witten said. “He might not run the fastest 40 but if you put him out there on game day, he’s going to make plays.”
Clausen said his goal Wednesday was to beat the average times from the NFL Combine. His times for the 40-yard dash varied from 5.10 seconds to 4.98 seconds.
“I would have liked to have been faster,” he said. “For the most part, I thought I threw pretty well.”
Clausen is already using his NFL prospects to help Team Focus, program in Mobile, Ala., founded by ESPN commentator Mike Gottfried to help young boys whose fathers do not live with them or are deceased. Clausen has pledged to donate $1,000 and additional money he earns during an autograph session on Thursday on campus.